Reply To: Sad news about 4Ground going into Liquidation

[phaidknott 7023xp 1]

Basically there’s been between 2 to 4 shipments from 4Ground depending on what level you pledged at.

Everyone got a free Dwarf during the period on how the minis were going to be cast, it was sent out as a “sample” to every backer. It also gave rise to the “Vomiting Dwarf” issue, as 4Ground were also testing printing the minis hollow (to speed up production times, I believe it was a 50/50 split with 4ground knowing who got what kind of mini so they could track how the minis stood up to shipment/handling), however it was found to not work and now all minis are being “solid” printed. Note backers who got a vomiting Dwarf could contact 4Ground at the time for a free replacement. Again 4Ground taking extraordinary steps to ensure they deliver a quality product (imagine the nightmare if they hadn’t tested it all out first).

Next was the shipment of the terrain (usually the £150 bundle plus any addons from the existing line), usually the £200 and £400 pledges.

Following that if you backed at £400 or had bought them as an addon were the buildings designed for the KS, buildings like the Windmill and the Boat House (which actually became an “exclusive” as $Ground will not be producing it in that format again (although we may see similar in the future). This was when they also sent out the MDF stretch goals like the carts and chests.

Lastly was the free 3 Goblins of Xmas given away as….well basically an Xmas prezzie from Ben, Cad and all at 4Ground.

The reasons why it was shipped out the way it was fairly simple, the Dwarf because it was a major decision point and Ben wanted Backers to see the “new” medium for themselves to help them decide (as it’s not like normal resin, it’s a lot less brittle and fumblefingers friendly).

The two terrain shipments was simply that Ben wanted to give the backers the MDF terrain as soon as possible so they could build the terrain while waiting for the KS (and to help play testers play the game with proxy minis and the playtest PDF rules and cards). It was shipped in two lots as they had the existing line ready to ship on the warehouse shelves, but needed time to produce the new Fabled Realms buildings after the KS had funded.

Lastly the Goblins….because it was Xmas 😀

No “conspiracies”, no “incompetence”, just a simple wish from Ben, Cad and Adam that the backers are happy with the KS along the way. If they are guilty of anything, it’s just simple enthusiasm for the game, the minis, and the terrain they produced for this. I think they have treated this as a “gamer” would more than a hard nosed businessman (and they seemed to be really enjoying bring all this into reality at first). They really seem to be wanting to a premium job to even shipping the minis in little custom built MDF boxes (when cardboard ones would have been serviceable). Sending out the free Dwarf was another note-able thing to do, I can’t imagine another KS scheme doing anything similar (they would just do it, and wouldn’t even put it up for a vote).

It’s such a shame there’s been so much negativity from a minority, that’s probably soured the experience for them. I’ve been VERY happy with what Ben and 4Ground has been doing so far (and feel it’s a “true” KS as they attempt to do something groundbreaking in miniature production). The internet can be a great asset at times, but it can also be a complete nightmare 🙁

The exact order of things might be out, but there was 4 deliveries by the postie here. I posted this “wall of text” for any non backers reading who might be wondering what the hell we are all talking about 😀